Wanda L. Barton April 9, 1937-February 1, 2012

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday and 12 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Rupp Funeral Home. She will lie in-state Monday 10 a.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church with funeral services at 11 a.m. Rev Evans Bentley, pastor will officiate. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, LaSalle.

Wanda along with her twin brother Warren was born in the evening of April 9, 1937 to James and Eulalia Richeson in Paden City, West Virginia. She married Vernon E. Barton on December 28, 1963 in Paden City.

Wanda graduated Valedictorian of Paden City High School and West Liberty State College in West Virginia with a bachelor's degree in elementary education.

She started her teaching career in January 1959 at Washington Local Elementary School in Bellville, Ohio. In June 1959 she moved to Lorain, Ohio to teach the next five years at Homewood School. After Wanda married Vernon they moved to Monroe. She then taught at Orchard School first grade. In May 1965 son, David was born and son, Mark in November of 1966. She did substitute teaching for five years. In 1976 she started teaching at Custer Elementary School during which time she also received her Master's Degree from Eastern Michigan University. Due to poor health she retired from teaching in 1998. She dearly loved children and was so reluctant to retire. In 1996 she was named to Who's Who Among American Teachers.

Wanda was a member of the former Townsite Garden Club, MEA NEA. Michigan Retired Teachers, MARSP, Mercy Memorial Hospital Guild and volunteer, Monroe Thrift Shop. The Sawyer Homestead and received the Jenny award. St. Paul United Methodist Church and the church Chancel Choir, United Methodist Women Searcher's Class, Church Women United and the Monroe Women's Club.

Wanda enjoyed gardening, flower arranging and baking.

Wanda is survived by her husband of forty-eight years Vernon, son Mark (Wendy) Barton of Monroe; grandchildren Collin and Brianne Barton and her brother Warren Richeson of Mesa, Arizona.

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